Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain directional control and proper runway alignment. The adverse weather condition and proximity of the parked aircraft were related factors.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that on his return from a demonstration flight he encountered an updraft and downdraft while landing. He stated that as he neared his position for landing, the wind changed direction, and as he was about to apply power, there was an updraft and the airplane almost stalled. He reported that he pushed the nose down and continued into the flare/touchdown but the airplane was left of the centerline and veering towards an unoccupied aircraft that was parked 22 feet off the side of the runway on a grassy area. During the landing, the left wing struck the parked airplane. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction and the accident could have been prevented, if the airplane had not been parked close to the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
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